The rate at which prices for goods and services are generally rising and, as a result, currency’s purchasing power is declining is known as inflation. Central banks attempt to limit inflation—and avoid deflation—in order to keep the economy running smoothly. Each unit of currency may purchase fewer products and services as prices rise. This results in a reduction in the actual value of money, a process that impacts every level of the economy, from consumers to governments. The percentage change in the cost of a basket of goods and services over a certain time period, often a year, is measured by the inflation rate. It’s a key metric for assessing the health of an economy, showing how much more expensive everyday goods and services have become.

The change in the average price level of a basket of goods and services over a year is represented by the inflation rate average consumer prices (annual per cent change). It’s calculated by taking the average of prices across all months of a given year compared to the previous year. This metric is determined by averaging monthly price data and comparing it to the average of the previous year. It provides a broader view of inflation trends across a longer time frame, smoothing out any short-term volatility.

The Inflation rate, end of period consumer prices (annual per cent change) reflects the price level change from the end of one period (typically December) to the end of the next period (the following December). Instead of taking an average, this rate focuses on the price level at a specific point in time, providing a snapshot of inflation. It’s calculated by comparing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the final month of the year with the CPI of the last month of the previous year.